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An Oral History Of The Comedy Club That Revolutionized Stand Up

Colt Simmons

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Published in The Improv: An Oral History Of The Comedy Club That Revolutionized Stand Up

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Opened in 1972 by Mitzi Shore, The Comedy Store quickly became a mecca for comedians from all over the country. The club's intimate setting and no-holds-barred atmosphere made it the perfect place for comics to experiment with new material and hone their craft.

Over the years, The Comedy Store has played host to some of the biggest names in comedy, including Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Eddie Murphy. The club has also been the setting for some of the most iconic moments in comedy history, including the first time that Richard Pryor used the N-word on stage.

In this oral history, we talk to some of the people who were there at the beginning, including Mitzi Shore, Jay Leno, and David Letterman. We also hear from some of the comics who made The Comedy Store their home, including Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, and Eddie Murphy.

The Improv: An Oral History of the Comedy Club that Revolutionized Stand-Up

by Budd Friedman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11774 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	386 pages

Together, they tell the story of a club that changed the face of comedy forever.

Mitzi Shore

"I opened The Comedy Store because I wanted to create a place where comedians could feel at home. I wanted a place where they could experiment with new material and not be afraid to take risks. I think we succeeded in creating that kind of environment."

Jay Leno

"The Comedy Store was the place to be in the 70s and 80s. It was the place where all the great comics were playing. It was also the place where I got my start. I owe a lot to Mitzi Shore and The Comedy Store."

David Letterman

"The Comedy Store was a magical place. It was a place where anything could happen. I remember one night when Richard Pryor came out on stage and just started talking about his life. It was the most incredible thing I've ever seen."

Robin Williams

"The Comedy Store was my home away from home. It was a place where I could always go to laugh and be myself. I miss Mitzi Shore every day."

Richard Pryor

"The Comedy Store was the best club in the world. It was a place where I could say anything I wanted and get away with it. I owe my career to Mitzi Shore."

Eddie Murphy

"The Comedy Store was the place where I came to learn my craft. I watched the best comics in the world and learned from them. I owe a lot to The Comedy Store."

The Comedy Store is more than just a comedy club. It's a place where legends are made. It's a place where the best comics in the world come to perform. And it's a place where comedy fans can go to see the future of comedy.

If you're a fan of comedy, then you need to visit The Comedy Store. It's a truly unique experience that you won't forget.

The Improv: An Oral History of the Comedy Club that Revolutionized Stand-Up

by Budd Friedman

4.5 out of 5